Waste Pro worker crushed in garbage truck during maintenance

A Waste Pro employee died July 5 when the door of a garbage truck activated and closed on him during maintenance.

As reported by Fox 13 News, the employee was standing on a ladder, performing maintenance on the truck’s hydraulics system when the system activated.

Investigators with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in Florida say a “miscommunication” occurred between the victim and another employee during the incident. According to officials, the door of the garbage truck closed on the man’s head.

The victim was identified as 58-year-old Leroy Firestone of Bradenton, Florida. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Longwood, Florida-based Waste Pro released the following statement after the accident:

“At Waste Pro, we’re family. This is an extremely difficult time for all of us. Nothing is more important than the health and safety of our Waste Pros. Our thoughts and prayers are with our employees and their families during this time of mourning and reflection. We appreciate the responsiveness of the first responders and emergency teams, and we will continue to cooperate with local authorities on this ongoing investigation.”